Give Pants a Chance

If you've been reading this blog for any length of time, you'll know that I rarely wear dress pants. The fact of the matter is, they I hate me and I hate them. Try as I might to find a suitable pair that fits and flatters, I always come out worse for wear in the experience and predictably empty-handed. But a basic dress pant is a wardrobe staple, right? I mean, as much as I love the skirt thing, sometimes you just want to put on some damn pants and call it a day, amirite? Happily, though somewhat frustratingly, I was able to find a basic black trouser that fit all my pant requirements: no muffin top (a somewhat higher rise is therefore my preference), no camel toe (DUH), longer length for heels (I'll never wear them with flats), and a leg opening on the wider end of things. Thank you, Lane Bryant, for having this pair not only in my size but also length in store so I could spend about an hour trying to figure out if they were worth it or not try and actually buy (with a coupon, of course.) But seriously, as basic black trousers go, these fit the bill nicely. So much so that I was finally, really, actually, able to give pants a chance...

Bolstered by this success, I decided to try Gap's Perfect Trousers a few weeks ago. They truly might have been "perfect" if not for my current size/weight/shape. Great colors/textures, ideal length, slimmer through the thigh, wide-but-not-excessively-so leg opening. YES! But, no. I couldn't keep the camel toe away long enough to convince me they were a good idea. I even went up a size, but then everything else I loved about the fit went away. And I just don't have the patience for a tailor. I may return to them when I shed a few pounds, but until then, black pants is alls I got. And if I'm being honest, maybe alls I need.

Smocked Waist Blouse In Chevron - TBags Los Angeles (via Gwynnie Bee) /
T3 Classic Trousers - Lane Bryant / Half-cami - Coobie (via HerRoom.com)

But the real victory of this outfit, and probably therefore of the pants, is the top. It just might be the nicest, comfiest, flatteringiest thing in my closet, and I don't even own it. That's right, Gwynnie Bee to the rescue once again for nice things that I could never own even if I wanted to. (Have you tried Gwynnie Bee yet???) I would LOVE to purchase this top - every time I peruse these pictures I sigh happily - but it's well over $100 even discounted though GB, and if I'm being honest with myself, I can only see myself wearing it like this or with my favorite jeans (which I've done a few times now as a great date-night get up - take away the cami and HELLO LOVELY CLEAVAGE!) No, I think I'll just continue to hoard this one a little while longer...

Ah, but the chevrons. And cobalt blue. And silky smooth fabric. And belly coverage. And cleavage (when appropriate)...

Handbag - Furla / Sandals - Nine West / Ring - H&M / Earrings - Lane Bryant (?) / 

And, oh yeah, pants.

Season Opener

It goes without saying that I'm behind. I've continued to take outfit pictures over the past few weeks, but I just haven't been posting enough to keep up. The season has begun, fall weather has returned (pumpkin spice lattes!! cozy sweaters and lots of layers!) and more or less my days have regained momentum. So what gives!? Rather than waste precious time and space attempting to find an answer, let's just dig in. And imma start with this fabulous frock I wore for opening night on Saturday!

Chevron dress - Lane Bryant / Shoes - Nine West "Danee" in Taupe Patent

I adore this dress. Truth be told, I bought (and wore) this dress for my trip to CA to visit Bob's family. I thought it was just the perfect combination of a fun, stylish, flattering, yet conservative outfit for a potential dressier night out. While we never did have that night out (everything was pretty darn casual), it got to play on the beach for a romantic dinner with Bob. Since I didn't snap pictures (and since, frankly, it didn't get the debut it deserved), I just knew it would be the perfect outfit for the season opening night.

For such a cool, comfortable dress, it sure does pack a punch. The chevron stripes in these vibrant tonal blues are slammin', and the hi-lo hem - something I usually avoid - really works for me here. The short dolman sleeves offered coverage yet kept me cool while moving through the crowds. Surprisingly, I wouldn't have given the dress much thought if it hadn't been for Lane Bryant styling, where the model is killing it with belt, clutch, tan (!!!) heels, and an effortless reclining pose. Compare that with the basic product picture - SNOOZE!! As you can see, I duplicated the styling pretty darn closely. Total kudos to LB for kicking up their product styling a notch! Styling sells!

Belt - Lane Bryant / Clutch - Lane Bryant / Ring - Banana Republic /
Earrings - Maurices / Nails - Blue Suede (Matte) by Orly

Anyhoo, the dress is fab, and I felt fab in it. I see it topped with a jacket paired with tights and boots in the fall...